Southern Housing Group residents move into social rented homes at Highbury Gardens

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Housing

Southern Housing Group has welcomed its first residents into social rented homes at Highbury Gardens, a new London development by urban regeneration company, First Base.

Residents moved into the 18 social homes at the mixed tenure scheme in Islington this week, which offers both affordable and open market housing.

Led by First Base and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), Highbury Gardens provides 119 one, two and three bedroom homes, as well as office and retail space.

Southern Housing Group is the affordable housing provider for the £30 million development, with 18 homes for social rent and 39 shared ownership properties.

Group Development Director, Dale Meredith, said: “Highbury Gardens is an exciting new development in a unique area of inner London. Our partnership with First Base and the HCA has enabled a wide range of housing options to be provided on the site which will benefit anyone looking to rent or buy a high quality, sustainable home in this desirable location.”

Elliot Lipton, Managing Director, First Base said: “Highbury Gardens highlights the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in bringing well-designed affordable homes to the capital. A mixed tenure approach was critical to the long-term success of the scheme, and its acceptance within the community.”

Architects Porphyrios Associates, and contractor Mansell, have worked in partnership to transform the previous derelict site in Holloway Road into a sustainable development, blending neo-classical architecture with the best of modern functional living.

Sustainable living is integral to the development which features a range of energy efficient measures, including solar panels on roofs which will reduce carbon emissions by 16 per cent. Designed to meet Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3, the development will generate 20 percent of its energy demands through on-site renewable technology.

Modern construction methods and locally sourced materials have ensured all homes are of high quality, with Highbury Gardens meeting Lifetime Homes and Secured by Design industry standards.

Highbury Gardens is located minutes away from key transport links and shopping facilities. Highbury and Islington underground and over ground stations are only two minutes away while Upper Street’s restaurants and bars are within walking distance.